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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday emerged victorious in civic polls in Rajasthan, winning 65 of the 129 seats.
The verdict, however, was a major setback for Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, as the BJP lost in her home turf. Of Jhalawar and Jhalrapatan municipality.
The Congress won in 27 seats, while Independents emerged victorious in 17 seats.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot, however, downplayed his party's dismal show in the civic polls.
"Congress comprehensively defeated the BJP in Vasundhara Raje's strong hold," claimed Pilot.
"There is less than one percent difference between the vote share of the BJP and the Congress," he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his delight with the BJP's splendid show for the confidence reposed and thanked the people of Rajasthan.
"A big thank you to people of Rajasthan. Congrats to Rajasthan BJP workers & leaders on the commendable performance in the civic polls," he tweeted.
The verdict of the Rajasthan civic polls would add to the morale of the BJP, which is eyeing to grab power in Bihar next.
